Event consists of performance and official proclamation presented to local organizations
KILLEEN, Texas (Jan. 17, 2024) – Mayor Debbie Nash-King will honor Black History Month during a reception at City Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 4p.m.
The event will take place in the City Hall chamber on the first floor (101 North College Street) and the community is invited to attend. Both the local NAACP branch and the Innovation Black Chamber of Commerce have been invited, as mayor Nash-King presents an official proclamation.
The Songhai Bamboo Roots Cultural Association will provide an African drumming musical performance at the event. The artists consist of local youth who are learning about the history of how various tones are used to create and communicate various messages through music.
Black History Month is observed throughout the nation annually during the month of February and was established by Carter G. Woodson in 1926 as Negro History Week. President Gerald Ford official recognized Black History Month in 1976 and ever since, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February with an observance. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.
The national theme of this year’s observance is, “African Americans and the Arts.” Organizers say this theme is infused with African, Caribbean and Black American lived experiences. African-American artists have used art in all forms- visual, musical, written, etc.- to preserve history and community memory, as well as for empowerment.
The City of Killeen looks forward to celebrating the achievements of the African American community and recognizing their central role in U.S. history and appreciates the culture’s contributions to making this country what it is today.